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Sunflowers make small moves to maximize their Sun exposure – physicists can model them to predict how they grow
Charles Darwin’s detailed observations of plant movements, such as sunflower circumnutation and self-organization, reveal how randomness helps plants optimize growth and adapt to their environments. Sunflowers!
Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Chantal Nguyen, University of Colorado Boulder
Sunflowers make small moves to maximize their Sun exposure – physicists can model them to predict how they grow
Most of us aren’t spending our days watching our houseplants grow. We see their signs of life only occasionally – a new leaf unfurled, a stem leaning toward the window.
But in the summer of 1863, Charles Darwin lay ill in bed, with nothing to do but watch his plants so closely that he could detect their small movements to and fro. The tendrils from his cucumber plants swept in circles until they encountered a stick, which they proceeded to twine around.
“I am getting very much amused by my tendrils,” he wrote.
This amusement blossomed into a decadeslong fascination with the little-noticed world of plant movements. He compiled his detailed observations and experiments in a 1880 book called “The Power of Movement in Plants.”
In one study, he traced the motion of a carnation leaf every few hours over the course of three days, revealing an irregular looping, jagged path. The swoops of cucumber tendrils and the zags of carnation leaves are examples of inherent, ubiquitous plant movements called circumnutations – from the Latin circum, meaning circle, and nutare, meaning to nod.
Circumnutations vary in size, regularity and timescale across plant species. But their exact function remains unclear.
I’m a physicist interested in understanding collective behavior in living systems. Like Darwin, I’m captivated by circumnutations, since they may underlie more complex phenomena in groups of plants.
Sunflower patterns
A 2017 study revealed a fascinating observation that got my colleagues and me wondering about the role circumnutations could play in plant growth patterns. In this study, researchers found that sunflowers grown in a dense row naturally formed a near-perfect zigzag pattern, with each plant leaning away from the row in alternating directions.
This pattern allowed the plants to avoid shade from their neighbors and maximize their exposure to sunlight. These sunflowers flourished.
Researchers then planted some plants at the same density but constrained them so that they could grow only upright without leaning. These constrained plants produced less oil than the plants that could lean and get the maximum amount of sun.
While farmers can’t grow their sunflowers quite this close together due to the potential for disease spread, in the future they may be able to use these patterns to come up with new planting strategies.
Self-organization and randomness
This spontaneous pattern formation is a neat example of self-organization in nature. Self-organization refers to when initially disordered systems, such as a jungle of plants or a swarm of bees, achieve order without anything controlling them. Order emerges from the interactions between individual members of the system and their interactions with the environment.
Somewhat counterintuitively, noise – also called randomness – facilitates self-organization. Consider a colony of ants.
Ants secrete pheromones behind them as they crawl toward a food source. Other ants find this food source by following the pheromone trails, and they further reinforce the trail they took by secreting their own pheromones in turn. Over time, the ants converge on the best path to the food, and a single trail prevails.
But if a shorter path were to become possible, the ants would not necessarily find this path just by following the existing trail.
If a few ants were to randomly deviate from the trail, though, they might stumble onto the shorter path and create a new trail. So this randomness injects a spontaneous change into the ants’ system that allows them to explore alternative scenarios.
Eventually, more ants would follow the new trail, and soon the shorter path would prevail. This randomness helps the ants adapt to changes in the environment, as a few ants spontaneously seek out more direct ways to their food source.
In biology, self-organized systems can be found at a range of scales, from the patterns of proteins inside cells to the socially complex colonies of honeybees that collectively build nests and forage for nectar.
Randomness in sunflower self-organization
So, could random, irregular circumnutations underpin the sunflowers’ self-organization?
My colleagues and I set out to explore this question by following the growth of young sunflowers we planted in the lab. Using cameras that imaged the plants every five minutes, we tracked the movement of the plants to see their circumnutatory paths.
We saw some loops and spirals, and lots of jagged movements. These ultimately appeared largely random, much like Darwin’s carnation. But when we placed the plants together in rows, they began to move away from one another, forming the same zigzag configurations that we’d seen in the previous study.
We analyzed the plants’ circumnutations and found that at any given time, the direction of the plant’s motion appeared completely independent of how it was moving about half an hour earlier. If you measured a plant’s motion once every 30 minutes, it would appear to be moving in a completely random way.
We also measured how much the plant’s leaves grew over the course of two weeks. By putting all of these results together, we sketched a picture of how a plant moved and grew on its own. This information allowed us to computationally model a sunflower and simulate how it behaves over the course of its growth.
A sunflower model
We modeled each plant simply as a circular crown on a stem, with the crown expanding according to the growth rate we measured experimentally. The simulated plant moved in a completely random way, taking a “step” every half hour.
We created the model sunflowers with circumnutations of lower or higher intensity by tweaking the step sizes. At one end of the spectrum, sunflowers were much more likely to take tiny steps than big ones, leading to slow, minimal movement on average. At the other end were sunflowers that are equally as likely to take large steps as small steps, resulting in highly irregular movement. The real sunflowers we observed in our experiment were somewhere in the middle.
Plants require light to grow and have evolved the ability to detect shade and alter the direction of their growth in response.
We wanted our model sunflowers to do the same thing. So, we made it so that two plants that get too close to each other’s shade begin to lean away in opposite directions.
Finally, we wanted to see whether we could replicate the zigzag pattern we’d observed with the real sunflowers in our model.
First, we set the model sunflowers to make small circumnutations. Their shade avoidance responses pushed them away from each other, but that wasn’t enough to produce the zigzag – the model plants stayed stuck in a line. In physics, we would call this a “frustrated” system.
Then, we set the plants to make large circumnutations. The plants started moving in random patterns that often brought the plants closer together rather than farther apart. Again, no zigzag pattern like we’d seen in the field.
But when we set the model plants to make moderately large movements, similar to our experimental measurements, the plants could self-organize into a zigzag pattern that gave each sunflower optimal exposure to light.
So, we showed that these random, irregular movements helped the plants explore their surroundings to find desirable arrangements that benefited their growth.
Plants are much more dynamic than people give them credit for. By taking the time to follow them, scientists and farmers can unlock their secrets and use plants’ movement to their advantage.
Chantal Nguyen, Postdoctoral Associate at the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Published: April 1, 2026 | By: STM Daily News
Source: NASA/John Kraus
Artemis II countdown is underway
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The countdown has officially begun for Artemis II, NASA’s highly anticipated return to crewed lunar missions, marking a historic step toward sending humans back to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
At precisely 4:44 p.m. EDT, the countdown clock started ticking at Kennedy Space Center, targeting a 6:24 p.m. launch on Wednesday, April 1. The mission will be the first crewed flight of NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. The Artemis II mission marks NASA’s first crewed journey toward the Moon since the Apollo era, using the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft.
The mission is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence for future Mars exploration.
Launch operations are being conducted at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the historic site of previous Apollo and Space Shuttle missions.
🚀 Final Preparations Underway
Inside the Rocco Petrone Launch Control Center, engineers and launch teams are actively powering up flight systems, verifying communications, and preparing for one of the most complex fueling operations ever attempted.
The rocket will be loaded with hundreds of thousands of gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, a delicate process requiring precise timing and coordination.
Meanwhile, at Launch Complex 39B, crews are filling the sound suppression system—a massive water tank designed to release a high-volume deluge at liftoff, protecting the rocket from extreme acoustic energy generated during launch.
Source: NASA / Bill Ingalls
👨🚀 Crew in Quarantine Ahead of Launch
The four-person crew remains in quarantine at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, undergoing final medical checks and mission briefings.
- Reid Wiseman – Commander
- Victor Glover – Pilot
- Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
- Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist (Canadian Space Agency)
Glover, a Southern California native and Ontario High School graduate, is set to make history as the first Black astronaut to travel to lunar space—bringing a powerful local connection to this global mission.
The crew is following a controlled sleep and nutrition schedule while receiving continuous updates on launch conditions and spacecraft readiness.
🌤️ Weather Conditions 80% Favorable
NASA and U.S. Space Force weather teams are closely monitoring conditions ahead of fueling operations. Current forecasts show an 80% chance of favorable weather, with concerns focused on potential cloud cover and high winds.
Weather will continue to be evaluated as the countdown progresses.
📺 How to Watch the Launch Live
NASA will provide live coverage throughout launch day:
- 7:45 a.m. EDT – Tanking operations coverage begins (NASA YouTube)
- 12:50 p.m. EDT – Full launch coverage begins on NASA+
Viewers can also follow along via NASA’s official social media platforms for real-time updates.
🚀 Artemis II Mission Snapshot
- Mission: Artemis II
- Agency: NASA
- Launch Vehicle: Space Launch System (SLS)
- Spacecraft: Orion
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center (LC-39B)
- Mission Duration: ~10 days
- Objective: Crewed lunar flyby (no landing)
- Commander: Reid Wiseman
- Pilot: Victor Glover
- Mission Specialists: Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen
🌕 A Mission Decades in the Making
Artemis II will send astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back, serving as a critical test flight for future lunar landings under NASA’s Artemis program.
The mission is designed to validate deep space navigation, life support systems, and spacecraft performance—laying the groundwork for Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
As the countdown continues, all eyes are now on Florida’s Space Coast for what could become one of the most significant spaceflight milestones of the 21st century.
🧾 Sources & References
- NASA – Artemis II Mission Updates and Press Materials
- NASA Kennedy Space Center Launch Operations Briefings
- NASA Artemis Program Overview
- Official NASA Broadcast and Launch Coverage
For more details on NASA’s Artemis II mission and live launch coverage, explore the official resources below:
🔗 Related External Links & Sources
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program Explained
- Kennedy Space Center Official Site
- Orion Spacecraft Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Watch Artemis II Live on NASA YouTube
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artemis II?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission in its Artemis program, sending astronauts on a flight around the Moon to test systems for future lunar landings.
When is the Artemis II launch?
The mission is targeting a launch on April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Will Artemis II land on the Moon?
No, Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission designed to test spacecraft systems before a future landing mission.
Who is Victor Glover?
Victor Glover is a NASA astronaut and Artemis II pilot who will become the first Black astronaut to travel to lunar space.
Stay with STM Daily News for continuing coverage of Artemis II and NASA’s return to the Moon.
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Travel Advisory
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Here’s what to know about current advisories
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Visitors should be aware of state-specific travel advisories, as safety concerns in one region do not affect major resort areas like Cancun and Los Cabos, currently rated Level 2, which encourages increased caution. Monitoring official updates is essential for informed travel decisions amidst evolving conditions.
Last Updated on March 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Here’s what to know about current advisories
(Tiffany Miller for ALG Vacations) For some travelers counting down to spring break, recent headlines about violence in parts of Mexico have sparked a new question: Should I cancel my trip? Travel advisors say they are seeing a surge in calls and emails from clients trying to determine whether developments in one region affect major resort areas elsewhere.
The questions follow several days of unrest in parts of Mexico after security operations targeting organized crime leaders prompted temporary flight disruptions and shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. government personnel in areas including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. In this article, ALG Vacations explains what current travel advisories mean for spring break travelers heading to Mexico.
The U.S. State Department evaluates Mexico state by state, not as a single destination, and advisory levels vary by region. Many major beach destinations, including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum and Los Cabos, are currently under a Level 2 advisory, which encourages travelers to exercise increased caution. It does not discourage travel.
Part of the confusion stems from geography. Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, is roughly 1,300 miles from Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean side, about the distance between New York and Miami. Because advisories are assigned state by state, developments in one region do not automatically alter another.
In recent days, that uncertainty has translated into additional inquiries about whether specific resort areas are experiencing disruptions. U.S. Embassy security alerts issued this week indicate that temporary shelter-in-place guidance affecting Puerto Vallarta was lifted and that flight operations resumed. The advisory level for the Mexican state of Quintana Roo remains unchanged.
Some clients are asking about alternatives, advisors say, but many are continuing with their plans after reviewing official updates. Travel patterns often shift in response to breaking headlines, they add, before stabilizing as clearer information becomes available.
The State Department assigns travel advisories on a four-tier scale ranging from Level 1, exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, do not travel. While Level 2 encourages increased awareness, Level 3 and Level 4 carry stronger language discouraging or restricting travel.
Advisories are reviewed regularly and can be updated as conditions evolve. The State Department’s Mexico advisory page breaks down conditions by state, reflecting the country’s federal structure rather than issuing a single national designation. Travelers can also enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which provides real-time security updates and allows U.S. officials to contact citizens in an emergency.
Embassy notices state that airports, hotels and tourism services in Quintana Roo are operating normally. Security conditions across Mexico vary widely by state, with some regions carrying higher advisories and others designated Level 1. Most destinations popular with U.S. travelers are currently classified as Level 2.
As spring break approaches, advisors say informed decision-making depends on reviewing the advisories assigned to a specific destination and monitoring official updates, rather than reacting to national headlines alone. Travel decisions ultimately depend on individual comfort levels, they add, but advisory levels are assigned regionally and should be evaluated accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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Community
McDonald’s First Job Confessional Turns Career Stories Into Free Meal Opportunity
McDonald’s is launching First Job Confessional, a campaign inviting fans to share first job stories for a chance to receive a $15 gift card in select cities.
First Job Confessional
McDonald’s is putting first jobs in the spotlight with a new campaign that asks fans to share the real-world skills they gained early in their working lives. Launched on National Employee Appreciation Day, the brand’s First Job Confessional invites people to reflect on how those first roles helped shape their careers — and, in some cases, earn a free meal in the process.
The campaign is built around a simple idea: first jobs often teach lasting skills that deserve more recognition. Whether someone learned problem-solving while babysitting, communication during a lunch rush, or teamwork behind a counter, McDonald’s is framing those experiences as valuable career foundations. The company says those are the same kinds of skills employers continue to prioritize as workplace demands evolve.
How the First Job Confessional Works
In select cities, McDonald’s is setting up confessional booths designed to look like ordering kiosks. But instead of placing a meal order, participants can record a story about their first job and the skills they picked up along the way. Those who take part in person will have the opportunity to receive a $15 McDonald’s gift card, while supplies last.
Fans who cannot attend in person can still join online by posting their stories using #FirstJobConfessional. McDonald’s says selected videos may also be featured on its YouTube channel, extending the campaign beyond the live events.
External Related Links
- McDonald’s corporate article: McDonald’s is Asking Fans to Get Real About Their First Job Skills in Exchange for Free Meals
- McDonald’s 1 in 8: First Job Confessional
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 home page
- Marketing Dive coverage of the campaign
- Parade coverage of the First Job Confessional tour
Source Links
- Original PRNewswire press release from McDonald’s USA, LLC
- McDonald’s official corporate story
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 First Job Confessional page
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 official website
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